Stakeholders urge Wike to implement youth-friendly policies in FCT

Stakeholders, including representatives from youth organisations, civil society, government agencies, and local communities have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to approve without delay a policy designed to address pressing challenges faced by young people in Abuja.

This call is coming just as the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, urged the policy framers to include the unique needs and contributions of women, adolescent girls, children, and women with disabilities within the policy
framework.

The policy that focuses on key areas such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion was reviewed, validated, adopted and transferred to the minister for further action.

The policy aims to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for young people across the FCT.

In a communique issued at the end of a High-Level Youth Engagement Summit on Friday in Abuja put together by YouthhubAfrica with support from ActionAid Nigeria, they noted that the ministers assent to the policy document was necessary to address challenges faced by youths across the six area councils of the territory.

“We demand that as a matter of urgent priority and necessity, to help strategically place and institutionalise youth development within the FCT, the FCT government led by an erudite scholar, a workaholic and a youth lover, his excellency Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike assent to the newly developed FCT youth development policy which will set in motion the full implementation of the strategies contained in the policy.”

In the communique, they also demanded the creation of more employment opportunities and the
implementation of youth-focused economic policies that will harness youth skills, talents, and innovations.

They further called for the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs and access to low-interest loans to support young entrepreneurs in the FCT.

“We demand an improvement in the quality of education across the FCT, with a focus on providing modern, well-equipped learning environments. We call for the inclusion of technology and digital literacy in the curriculum to prepare us for the future.

“We request that scholarships and financial aid be made more accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that no young person is denied education due to financial constraints.

“We demand improved healthcare facilities and services that cater to the unique health needs of young people, including mental health support, sexual and reproductive health services, and access to affordable healthcare.

‘We call for the implementation of comprehensive health education programs in schools and communities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases.

“We ask that the Government intensify efforts to ensure that Universal health coverage through the FCT health insurance scheme is made to provide coverage for more young people and most importantly young girls and most at-risk persons.”